Inhabited shadow

Located next to the Sotogrande golf course, this house was designed to dwell inside the shadow, in-between the ground plane and the flat roof that hovers above. This generous cantilever not only provides shelter from the intense sun of Cadiz but also offers protection against the heavy rainfall arriving from the nearby Grazalema mountain range, the region with the highest precipitation in the Iberian Peninsula.

 

Design Philosophy

The design establishes four distinct architectural boundaries that define the spatial experience of the house. Below, the ground plane receives the imprint of the shadow. Above, the roof slab is designed with a water surface, functioning both as an aesthetic and a bioclimatic element. Peripherally, a continuous floor-to-ceiling glass façade allows for efficient climate control within the interior while maintaining unobstructed views and seamless movement towards the landscape. Finally, the inner core features a wooden volume that ensures the necessary privacy for the rooms while introducing warmth throughout the space.

 

 

Functional Layout

Access to the house is from the upper street, a strategic point that offers a privileged view of the landscape and the water surface on the roof -an unexpected feature that provides thermal and acoustic insulation. The water layer absorbs heat during the day and gradually releases it at night, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

The roof and ground planes are subtly displaced to create a covered entrance leading to the main access, parallel to an infinity pool that extends towards the golf course. Internally, the program is organized around a central circulation core, which also incorporates skylights that bring natural light into the central spaces and guide movement towards the rooftop water surface.

 

 

Materials & Furniture

One of the primary design requirements was the use of materials that compose a warm color palette. As a result, the entire ground surface -both indoors and outdoors is clad in large-format off-white ceramic slabs, harmonizing with the wooden finishes of the core and the free-standing walls that define different interior areas. The furniture is dominated by natural wood and textured white fabrics, while linear warm white lighting highlights the overall composition.

Throughout the day, sunlight washes across textured surfaces and natural materials, accentuating depth and shadow while reinforcing the continuity between interior and exterior spaces. During the evening, a carefully composed artificial lighting scheme takes over through discreet, indirect fixtures integrated into ceilings, walls and architectural details. Warm, low-intensity lighting highlights key spatial elements and circulation paths while maintaining a soft ambient glow that preserves the serene character of the residence, allowing the architecture and material palette to remain the focal point of the spatial experience.

The design aims to minimize the building’s footprint on the environment, creating a living experience within the shaded zone defined between the two primary planes. Through a simple architectural gesture, the house orchestrates an experience with a strong identity and a timeless character.

 

Into the ground

Located at the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country along a secluded bend of the Blanco River, this private wine cave serves as a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.

 

Structural Integrity

Excavated into the north face of a solid limestone hillside, this lined “tube” is protected on the east and west by tall oak and elm trees, allowing it to seamlessly disappear within the native landscape, while heavy limestone boulders, collected from the excavation, and lush vegetation further camouflage the entry.

A tasting lounge, bar, wine cellar, and restroom are all tucked into a 45cm tall by 178cm deep tunnel. A door made of concrete boards leads to the interior of the cave and attaches to the irregular surfaces of the limestone, while structurally retaining the artificial opening. The concrete erodes naturally over time as native moss and ivy climbs onto the flanking limestone walls to further blend the entrance with its surroundings.

 

Material Palette

Once inside, white oak clads the walls and ceilings, acting as a warm contrast to the more rugged concrete and stone surfaces. Custom, thermally insulated windows separate the interior and exterior along with the entertainment lounge and cellar. Reclaimed cedar was salvaged and used for the countertop surfaces and restroom vanities, while all wood components are deliberately kept away from the existing cave walls so that the room remains adaptable.

 

Thermal Insulation

The private cellar is surrounded by casework providing storage for an ever-expanding private collection of +/-4,000 bottles. This space is thermally controlled by the naturally colder subterranean temperatures as well as supplemental cooling to help maintain an optimal atmosphere of 12-15 degrees Celsius.

Secluded shelter

The boutique resort in Agia Pelagia, built along a rocky peninsula, consists of 49 suites and villas. It was designed as an elegant and secluded retreat, with unobstructed views and complete privacy.

 

Design Aesthetic

The building’s architecture perfectly integrates it with the rocky landscape, placing it in constant dialogue with nature through the choice of materials, textures, and colors. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the harmonious blend of organic traditional and contemporary elements, infused with the raw character of the Cretan landscape where it is built.

 

 

Material Palette

During construction, natural materials, such as the local Mylopotamos stone and the antique Egyptian Sinai marble were used for the flooring, while Phaistos marble was used for the custom-made furniture placed throughout the different rooms. All metallic components are painted in rusty tones and have Corten details, while the sound-insulating hidden aluminum frames frame the sea through large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to fill the interior spaces. Woods such as chestnut from Mount Athos, reed wicker, solid oak and niangon complete the composition, while coats of polished concrete in earthly tones are used for the interior walls.

 

 

Functional Organization & Sustainability

The communal wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a 300m2 yoga room made entirely of bamboo, a hammam cladded with Sinai marble slabs and rainforest green -following the spirit of the Byzantine tradition- and a gym.

The sustainable thermal façade, along with the KNX automation systems, effectively lowers electricity usage. The ample water features located in the public spaces as well as the private rooms improve the overall humidity levels, fostering better microclimate conditions in both indoor and outdoor spaces, while controlling abrupt temperature fluctuations. The integration of pergolas used for shade, outdoor seating, rock gardens filled with Cretan herbs and typical Cretan architectural elements such as domes and arches, create a journey of simplicity and subtle luxury.